The first day sets the tone for your time on board. These steps will guide you.
During travel
- Keep documents in your hand luggage: passport, seaman's book, contract, certificates.
- Save the company and agent contact details on your phone and on paper.
- If your flight is delayed, tell the agent immediately.
- Confirm who is travelling with you and the joining details.
Arriving on board
- Gangway safety: climb carefully with your luggage; ask for help if needed.
- Report to the Master or the officer on duty and hand over your documents.
- Learn where your cabin is and your work schedule.
Familiarisation
In the first days, make sure you learn:
- Your muster station and duty card.
- Where your lifejacket is, and the escape routes.
- The alarm signals and what they mean.
- Where the fire extinguishers and first-aid lockers are.
The first week
- Ask many questions. Nobody expects you to know everything on day one.
- Record your rest hours correctly.
- Be respectful to your shipmates. Crews are often multicultural.
Keep your own notes
Write down what you learn in a notebook. It will become your most valuable guide on future contracts.
We wish you a safe voyage.